Over the past couple of years, I have dealt with a variety of serious health problems. Severe clinical depression only served to exacerbate my physical issues. The good news is that, thanks to long-term therapy, my liver problems are now in remission and various types of pain management have helped me deal with degenerative disc disease. Last December, I managed to get reconnected with my old psychiatrist and get back on the proper medication (and here I feel I must tell you I am bipolar). As a result of all this, I am now fit enough to get back to work documenting the ongoing changes to San Francisco’s central city.

The problem is that all of my photo gear is collateral for a loan and I am on the verge of losing it all if I can’t somehow come up with about $1,000 pretty soon. I have quite frankly run out of ideas, so I am reaching out to friends and followers like you. I have never needed help more than I need it now. If you like the work I have done here and would like to see it resume, perhaps you could donate to my PayPal account (tobemarx@gmail.com) to help me get my equipment back. Anyone who donates $100 or more will get a 13 x 19 museum quality print of one of my photos as long as you include your mailing address.

Deepest thanks for your consideration,
Mark Ellinger

Monday 16 May 2016. GOAL ACHIEVED! Deepest thanks to all who contributed. Those of you who contributed $100 or more, be sure to send an email to tobemarx@gmail.com telling me what print you want and your mailing address. Please allow 7-10 days for delivery. Thank you all again from the bottom of my heart!
Mark

14 responses to “I’m Back — Almost”

Thank you, Lara, both for your kind words and your contribution. I hope to do some shooting this weekend, so look for a new post sometime next week. Also, my mid-Market essay will be updated as soon as I’ve edited the very large amount of new and archival material I’ve accumulated since my last update, so stay tuned.
Again, many thanks for your kindness and generosity.